Carputer is a term sometimes used to refer to a computer installed in a car. Another term for Carputer is 'CarPC'. Carputer systems can be composed of a larger desktop computer, a laptop, or other smaller form-factor computer.
A typical Carputer system is composed of four parts:
Machine
Display
Interface hardware
Power Supply
Machine
The machine consists of a motherboard, processor, memory and data storage method. Data storage typically consists of a hard drive or solid state flash memory. Small form factor and low power consumption typically require the use of a micro-atx, or mini-itx board. Carputers are also available second-hand as aftermarket additions.
Screen
You have to be able to command your carputer system. Preferably, this process should be as easy as possible. Initial carputers (pre-2000) typically used LCD character displays to interface and play music. Commands were typically sent to the carputer by means of a keyboard. Not far after the initial advent of the carputer, many people started using a wireless serial port remote to control their machines. This was about the time that small TV screens became affordable. The majority of the first (affordable) carputer screens were RCA video input only.
This awkward phase of sub-par display devices was frustrating to the carputer community. Users had difficulty justifying $1000+ for a nice screen, and for the most part, screens that nice were rare or just unavailable. Modern screens are leaps and bounds better than those just a few years ago.
The most common modern-day screen that people use is the 7 inch VGA touch screen. Typical models used are Lilliput or Xenarc screens. Here are pictures of each model:
Interface Hardware
In addition to the display unit, many other options exist to interact with a CarPC in a manner that does not distract the driver from the most important task - keeping the car on the road.
In 2005, users were beginning to experiment with Heads Up Display options, although these are typically custom built rather than mass produced.
Bluetooth devices are commonly used in the CarPC environment to wirelessly connect to GPS devices, mobile phones, or keyboards used to manage and maintain the system.
Other alternatives for control involve the use of either IR or RF connected remote controls for hands-only, driving-friendly control.
Power
The most basic question those new to Carputers have is how to power the machine. Laptop users have an easier option, use of internal batteries. All other Carputer machines need one of two methods for power. One method is the use of an inverter, the other is the use of a DC-DC power supply.
Genereally speaking, houses (where computers are normally designed to be used) used AC (Alternating Current.) Automobiles, on the other hand, use DC (Direct Current.) PC power supplies are made to be used with Alternating Current. DC to DC power supplies are sold at most carputer sites and are designed specifically for powering PCs in automobiles.
On a side note, when cranking a car the stater normally draws so much power that all other non-essential devices temporarily lose power. This normally would cause a booting computer to suddenly lose power, which isn't a good thing. With a bit of creative wiring, or an additional part, this issue could be taken care of quite easily.
That also solves the problem of the computer suddenly losing power when the ignition is cut. A hardware and software combination allows the computer to sense when the main power source has been cut and use the remaining power to safely shut the PC down.
Basic features
(these are available in off the shelf systems)
NOTE: Some of the features/ideas below may be illegal to run while a vehicle is in operation.
Play music from CDs, hard drive (MP3s, other compressed files) or external device (USB/PCI FM radio receiver, etc)
Play video from DVDs, VCDs or from the harddrive
GPS: Provide location tracking, route planning/navigation, etc. (Note: Hard drives are sensitive to vibration, so driving with your carputer turned on may shorten the life of the hard drive. Because laptop (2.5") hard drives are designed for such a portable device, they are generally more tolerant of shock and are an ideal choice over desktop (3.5") hard drives. Laptop (2.5") hard drives are designed to endure the stress of moving and extreme conditions, unlike that of a desktop hard drive (3.5") which is usually used as a stationary device, rarely if ever moved.)
Satellite radio radio through external receivers. (Both Sirius and XM available)
Ease of operation through touchscreen display
Internet browsing through an eligible cell phone or wireless 802.11 connection
Hands free cell phone control via software with bluetooth
Other external application support
